Led by striker wonder from Norway Erling Haaland with his 53 goals last season, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City went on to achieve only the second ever continental treble from an English club in 2023/2024, with the other being Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in the 1998/1999 Season. The incredible milestone meant the Cityzens are given more responsibilities this year with their involvements in more tournaments in addition to their usual domestic and international league and cup competitions.
Just yesterday, Erling Haaland’s Manchester City finally played their additional league game in hand, which was a home encounter against Brentford, and the crazy scoring machine of Erling Haaland once again showed his class, scoring the only goal of the game in the second half.
Erling Haaland’s Goal the Only Difference Between City and Bees at Etihad
Manchester City were without any games in this week’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg schedule, having already beaten F.C. Copenhagen in the latter’s home last week. The Cityzens welcomed Brentford to Etihad for their Matchday 25 fixture of the 2023/2024 English Premier League Season, hoping that a win can send them back to winning ways as well as the second place of the league table.
Both teams played out a goalless first 45 minutes, and it was an error in split seconds that led to the only goal of this league clash. A counterattack by the home team saw the ball move forward in an incredible pace, with 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning forward Julián Álvarez finding his strike partner Erling Haaland.
Erling Haaland’s first touch was heavy, but to Brentford‘s disappointment, Kristoffer Ajer slipped and could not prevent the Norwegian from charging towards their goal. The 23-year-old ex-Bryne FK, Molde FK, Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund forward then lashed a shot just outside the penalty box, beating Mark Flekken at the bottom left corner to break the deadlock. Erling Haaland’s effort in the 71st minute proved to be a winner as Manchester City reached the second place of the EPL table, trailing leaders Liverpool by only a single point with 13 league games remaining in the 2023/2024.
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Erling Haaland: Scored Against All EPL Teams He Has Faced
Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Brentford last night indicated he has brought his season tally in 2023/2024 to 22 goals and six assists in 28 games played in all competitions, and the insane talisman is only 19 goals shy from reaching a century of goals in a Manchester City jersey. What is more interesting is that the Brentford goal scored by Erling Haaland also meant he has now scored against every team he has faced in the English top-flight football since the start of the 2022/2023 Season following his move from German Bundesliga 1 outfit Borussia Dortmund.
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Nothing But Praises on Erling Haaland From Guardiola
Guardiola was a pleased manager during the post-match conference, especially when he spoke about Erling Haaland over his milestone goal that also propelled Manchester City to the second place of the Premier League table: “If I had to choose one (Player), I choose this one (Erling Haaland). We spoke about the moment and I realised this later, but he (Erling Haaland) didn’t say anything about the passing away of his grandmother. We talked about how he feels and of course for his father. In this type of game like Brentford, you need Erling Haaland. With not much space, you can play with a typical striker.”
In addition to his jubilant remarks on Erling Haaland, the Spaniard went on to talk about Kevin De Bruyne, who did not make into the starting lineup and was kept at the bench for full 90 minutes plus added time. “Today we could not use Kevin because he had niggles in his hamstring and I didn’t want to take risk. He’s okay. It’s just a precaution but he didn’t feel comfortable and so after five months off we didn’t take any risk.”
Brentford manager Frank thought his side was unlucky to concede the goal scored by Erling Haaland. “I think throughout the game we were brilliant, I’m very proud and pleased with the players’ performance. They believed and it gives me a lot of belief in them going forwards. The way we defended the whole game was magnificent in terms of structure, defensive principles, urgency. Before the goal, we gave away the header to Bernardo Silva and the Oscar Bobb chance and it was two big chances. If (Ajer) doesn’t slip I’m convinced it would not be a goal. Haaland is quick but Kristoffer is as quick. City are good so they don’t need the margins going their way,” stated the 50-year-old.
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“We played a really good game” 👏
Pep Guardiola praises his Manchester City side after a 1-0 win over ‘difficult’ Brentford 👇pic.twitter.com/a3ZW6KXPkO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 20, 2024
